Nancy Jo Padgett, 78, passed away on December 6, 2025. Born on October 31, 1947, in Walterboro, South Carolina, Nancy lived a life marked by intellect, independence, and a deep curiosity about the world. She made her home in San Francisco, California, and spent time at her second home in Sea Ranch, a place she loved for its quiet and natural beauty. Nancy earned her Ph.D. in European History from Stanford University, along with an M.B.A. from UC Berkeley and undergraduate and graduate degrees from Emory University. She spent many years at Stanford University, including a decade as Associate Dean and Director of Finance and Information Systems for the School of Humanities and Sciences. She later held leadership roles at Berkeley Lab, where she served as Business Manager and was ultimately appointed Assistant to the Director—a position reflecting the trust placed in her judgment, intellect, and leadership. Nancy did not simply study history—she experienced it. She traveled extensively, researching the places she wrote about and documenting them through her photography. She was the creator of NancyGo: Searching for History, where she shared her work freely, believing knowledge should be accessible to all. She had a deep love for classical music, which was a constant presence in her life. Nancy was married to her husband, Michael Middleton, for 54 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucas C. Padgett and Martha Josephine Padgett, and her brother, Lucas C. Padgett Jr. She is survived by her loving nieces and nephews, many cousins, lifelong friends, and her beloved cat, Leland. Nancy moved through life with curiosity and intention, always following what interested her and it led her around the world. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 11 at Live Oak Cemetery in Walterboro, South Carolina, with a reception immediately following at the home of Nancy and Taylor Skardon.
